The key reference point for the new evangelization is the encyclical letter, Redemptoris Missio of Pope John Paul II. In order to better understand this document this paper argues that it needs to be discussed in the light of a historical continuum starting with the documents of the Second Vatican Council and continuing through postconcilar writings such as Pope Paul VIs apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Nuntiandi. The new evangelization is John Pauls conception is a response to new cultural realities. In this regard, it an example of the Catholic understanding of tradition as both conserving the essentials of the past as well as responding to new situations and challenges. In John Paul II thought the new evangelization expresses a Pauline emphasis on inner conversion to Christ as a basis for outreach to others and to the wider culture
